“From the freshmen to the senior, we have a lot of talent,” he said. “Some of the younger girls are going to play some pretty big roles for us this year.”

Team speed and strong defense are positives the team is bringing to the table, he said.

This is Mosley’s fifth year as head coach and his seventh year coaching, overall. His assistant coaches are Casey Hallgarth, who coaches the junior varsity girls team, and Crystal Culley.

Hallgarth has several years of coaching experience from his time leading Elgin’s varsity boys basketball team. He also coached Grant Union’s junior high football team this year.

Culley has been involved in youth basketball programs over the years.

There are 23 players making up the varsity and junior varsity teams, including nine freshmen, six sophomores, seven juniors and one senior. Returning starters are senior Heather Mosley, junior Mariah Moulton, and sophomore Kaylee Wright, who was a starter for part of last season. Several varsity girls played about 20 games of summer ball last June, with coach Mosley leading.

“They’re a very coachable group with a lot of determination,” he said.

Several players were on Grant Union’s volleyball team that won third in state, including Moulton and Mosley, who each earned All-State honors. Mosley said he believes the qualities the players showed in volleyball will carry over to basketball as they face league opponents Elgin, Enterprise, Union and Imbler.

“I expect Imbler is going to be tough,” coach Mosley said. “They have a core group of seniors, and Enterprise is not going to be a pushover.”

Heather Mosley said she’s excited to play her final year of high school basketball.

“It’s an amazing group of girls to finish out my basketball career,” she said. “We all work well together and plan on making it to districts and state.”

Moulton said the team hopes to advance further than anyone expects.

“We have a really good group of girls with a lot of hustle and heart,” she said.

Of the 14 Prospector wrestlers competing, two-thirds won their matches, said Grant Union head coach Andy Lusco.

“Twelve of the 14 of them placed in the top three in their respective weight classes,” he said.

The top placers included six freshmen and two first-year upperclassmen.

“It was a great day for a first meet,” Lusco said.

Irrigon meet results:

Jesse Paulson, 113-lb class, 3-0, first place

Damion Young, 126-lb class, 2-0, first Place

Braden Spencer, 126-lb class, 2-1, second place

Jay Goldblatt, 145-lb class, 2-0, first place

James Mabe, 160-lb class, 3-1, second place

Russell Hodge, 170-lb class, 3-0, fist place

Dillon Maley, heavyweight, 2-1, second place

Drew Lusco, heavyweight, 3-0, first place

Toby Boatwright, heavyweight, 2-1, second place

]]>Lady Panthers fall to Adrian after fast starthttp://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161206/lady-panthers-fall-to-adrian-after-fast-start
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161206/lady-panthers-fall-to-adrian-after-fast-start#CommentsTue, 6 Dec 2016 16:58:25 -0500Angel Carpenter
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2016161209982Prairie City’s Lady Panthers put up a good battle in their first game of the season but could not catch the Adrian Antelopes, who ran to a 46-19 win.

The Lady Panthers came out with a show of strength to start. Adrian had the tip, but Prairie City’s Sarah Ennis took the ball back, and teammate Cassie Hire took it up for two points.

Grant Union was on the road to Moro for the Sherman County Tournament.

The Lady Prospectors claimed a 55-53 victory over Sherman on Friday and the following day lost 47-35 to Culver.

Grant Union girls head coach Mark Mosley said his team executed offense well in the game against Sherman.

“We were able to pound the ball on the inside,” Mosley said. “Our overall defensive performance was good, but we still have some room for improvement.”

Speaking of the loss to Culver, Mosley said his team didn’t handle the pressure defense which the Bulldogs laid on from start to finish.

“We had too many turnovers,” he said.

Grant Union closed the gap within two points, late in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs pulled out for the win.

“Overall, we learned the things we have to improve on before this weekend,” Mosley said. “We have to learn to handle pressure and become more confident with the basketball. There are many bright points to build on as well.”

Prospector boys lose to last year’s 1A state champs, beat Culver

The 2A Prospector boys lost 79-53 in their first game to Sherman, last year’s 1A state champions.

“They’re a good team, and they didn’t lose anyone from last year,” said Grant Union boys head coach Kelsy Wright. “They’re a big team, averaging 6-foot-2.”

Grant Union took a 50-35 win over Culver the following day.

“I was pleased with the boys and how they played and their composure,” Wright said.

Next up, Wright said the team will prepare to face Stanfield on Friday.

“Stanfield is an excellent team, so we’ll prepare for their full court press,” Wright said. “Hopefully we’ll get ready for that and be pretty competitive.”

The Grant Union teams travel for the Columbia River Clash tournament on Thursday through Saturday in Umatilla. Tipoff for the boys varsity game starts at 2 p.m. Thursday, followed by girls varsity.

Lady Tigers 1-1 at Fossil tourney, boys 0-2

Monument/Dayville teams were on the road for the Friday through Saturday Paul Humphreys Tournament in Fossil.

The Lady Tigers led by head coach Taylor Schmadeka had a 44-24 win over Condon/Wheeler and a 54-27 loss to Pilot Rock.

The Tiger boys led by head coach Jeff Schafer suffered two losses, 44-34 to Condon/Wheeler and 64-42 to Pilot Rock.

]]>Prairie City Panther boys leap to 20-point win over Adrian Antelopeshttp://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161203/prairie-city-panther-boys-leap-to-20-point-win-over-adrian-antelopes
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161203/prairie-city-panther-boys-leap-to-20-point-win-over-adrian-antelopes#CommentsSat, 3 Dec 2016 00:12:56 -0500Angel Carpenter
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2016161209997If the Prairie City Panther boys’ first game is any indication, the community could be in for an exciting season.

The Panther boys outplayed the Adrian Antelopes by 20 points Friday night, taking a 59-39 win at the Prairie City court.

Prairie City’s strong start had them leading 36-17 at the half.

Keeping the momentum going in the third with a 20-point gain, the game started to get physical and two Panther players later fouled out.

He had two three-pointers in the game, and teammates Levi Burke and Brogan McKrola had one each.

Prairie City head coach Jonathan Gill said to be on the winning side against a strong team was a good feeling.

His head wasn’t in the clouds though — he said the team has a lot to clean up in their performance.

“The first game, you kind of don’t know what you got, but to see the guys bring effort, bring passion and heart, that’s all you can ask for as a coach, and so I would say it was a good win,” he said. “Adrian is a league team, and usually you don’t get to play a league team this early in the season, so that was a good barometer test for us to see where we’re going to be.”

Burke said the skills they’ve worked on in practice will help them throughout the season.

“We have a lot to work on, but it was a fun game, overall,” he said.

“We’re a little rusty, but we got the job done,” said Panther junior Danner Davis.

“I’m really proud of the effort everyone put in,” Wilson added. “We still have kinks we need to work out. Adrian played well against us, and they never gave up. It was a good start to our journey.”

Coach Gill said the team will be preparing for their next games.

“We’re going to go back to the drawing board to clean some things up, some of those sloppy mistakes, and we’ll be ready to go,” he said. “It was a heck of a win, and we’re proud of the kids.”

He added, he was happy with the Friday night’s show of support from the home crowd.

“We hope that the community will come back out,” he said.

In Friday’s action, the Prairie City girls came out with a show of strength to start, leading by 9-6 in the first period of action, but eventually fell 46-19 to the Antelopes.

Head coach Bo Workman said they knew Adrian would play a strong pressure defense, and this first game of the season shows them what they need to work on next.

“They started good,” he said of his team. “They took care of the ball the first quarter and kept their heads up.”

He said they’ll be practicing skills such as positioning, shooting and conditioning in their upcoming workouts.

“We know what we need to work on, just getting that first game out of the way is a big deal,” he said.

Lady Panther Brianna Zweygardt led Prairie City with nine points, followed by Cassie Hire and Megan Camerena who each scored four, and Lindsay Wall who scored two.

Prairie City hosts the Grant Union junior varsity teams on Tuesday, Dec. 6, with tipoff for the girls at 6 p.m., and boys at 7:30 p.m.

The teams will travel to Condon to face Ione at 3 p.m. for the girls and 4:30 p.m. for the boys on Friday, Dec. 9.

Gill said the coaching staff has developed their team identity and season goals in preparation for competition.

“Our focus is defense,” Gill said. “That’s where our foundation starts this year. That’s going to be our strong point and hold us together this year.”

He added, their overall vision isn’t just about winning games.

He wants the players to buy into the team, encourage each other and share the ball.

“We’re about molding these guys,” he said. “We want to win, but building memories and relationships and transforming these boys into young men, these are the tools to be successful young men in our community and society.”

He said he appreciates the fans that came out to the games last year.

“We want to encourage the community to come out and support us and fill the stands,” he said. “I’m really excited and happy to be back. I’ve grown a deep love for this community and these kids.”

]]>Lady Panthers eager to start seasonhttp://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161129/lady-panthers-eager-to-start-season
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161129/lady-panthers-eager-to-start-season#CommentsTue, 29 Nov 2016 12:29:27 -0500Angel Carpenter
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2016161129940A combination of footwork and fundamentals will be the foundation for this year’s Prairie City Lady Panther team, said new head coach Bo Workman.

The Lady Panthers host the Adrian Antelopes at 5 p.m. Friday, after the junior varsity teams’ half games, which start at 3:30 p.m.

“The town is excited for basketball to start,” Workman said, adding last year’s support of the team was positive.

He said he’s seeing strength in this year’s team, from four seniors, as well as three experienced juniors. Rounding out the roster are three sophomores and three freshmen. Six of the athletes are returning varsity players.

In practice last week, the Panthers focused on footwork, positioning drills, shooting and conditioning.

“We’re focusing on the basics and fundamentals — keeping it simple,” Workman said.

Junior outside hitter Mariah Moulton was named to the All-State first team, and senior middle hitter Heather Mosley was named to the All-State second team.

Both players were part of the Prospector team that won third at the OSAA state championships this year.

Head coach Shae Speth said both girls contributed to the team.

Moulton led the team with 417 kills this season, up from 263 last year. She had 349 digs and 96 percent serving.

“Mariah has always been an offensive-minded athlete, and she improved greatly this season,” Speth said, adding Moulton also made strides defensively as well.

“Mariah had a passion for volleyball, and I look forward to watching her lead the team next year as a senior,” Speth said.

Mosley had 284 kills on the season, up from 170 last year. She was in on 39 percent of the team’s blocks, with 49 solo blocks and 58 block assists. She had 103 digs and 67 aces.

“Heather has improved greatly over the past few seasons,” Speth said. “I believe she was the most dominant middle in the state at our level. She has always been a force defensively with her blocking, but she became an offensive weapon for us this season as well.”

Speth said Mosley’s serving was especially improved this season.

“Her leadership will be missed greatly as well,” Speth said. “She is steady and calm, no matter the score or situation.”

]]>Prospector gridders awarded league honorshttp://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161129/prospector-gridders-awarded-league-honors
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161129/prospector-gridders-awarded-league-honors#CommentsTue, 29 Nov 2016 12:26:30 -0500http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2016161129942The Grant Union Prospector football team, led by head coach Jason Miller, ended a successful season as Wapiti League champions, reaching the state quarterfinals.

Miller was named Wapiti League Coach of the Year. Several Grant Union players were selected for Wapiti All-League honors.

]]>Athletes to journey down under for summer competitionhttp://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161129/athletes-to-journey-down-under-for-summer-competition
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161129/athletes-to-journey-down-under-for-summer-competition#CommentsTue, 29 Nov 2016 12:26:27 -0500Angel Carpenter
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2016161129943Dayville sophomore Kristina Humphreys and Grant Union junior Jozie Rude will journey for an experience of a lifetime to next summer’s Down Under Sports track and field competition in Queensland, Australia.

Both athletes excelled in field events last season.

Humphreys, in the 1A High Desert League, broke the state record in javelin in May with a throw of 129-2, also a personal record. Humphreys said, as a fifth-grader, she watched the high school students throw javelin during practice.

“It gave me motivation to try it myself,” she said. “I also remember Skip Inscore (now retired track and field coach) showing me Paula Berry’s awards, which made me feel confident that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

She is coached by Peter Bogardus.

Rude, in the 2A Wapiti League, had her best javelin throw of the season at the state championships, placing second with a mark of 117-11. She also earned third in pole vault and fourth in shot put at Hayward Field in Eugene. She broke the Wapiti League record in shot put, with a 34-4 throw.

The Grant Union team is led by head coach Sonna Smith, with Kelsy Wright as the javelin coach.

At the Down Under event, Rude plans to compete in those three events, as well as hammer and discus.

This will be the first trip out of the country for the athletes, and both plan to spend three days in Hawaii on the trip home.

The cost of the nine-day trip is $6,500, and both plan on fundraising the money for the adventure.

Rude is now selling Super Bowl Squares, and she’ll host a golf tournament on May 6 at the John Day Golf Course. For more information on Rude’s fundraising activities, her mother, Aimee, may be reached by email at aimee@rudeinc.net.

Humphreys will also hold fundraisers for the trip.

“I am most looking forward to meeting other athletes, and looking into the different strategies and pointers that the coach may give me to help,” Humphreys said.

Grant Union sophomore Kaylee Wright also plans to attend the Down Under Sports track and field event as previously reported in the Eagle.

She was an assistant to outgoing coach Shannon Adair last year, and also led the elite junior high Platinum, a competition team, as well as the junior high Gemstones.

Piazza’s dancing interest began in a ballet studio, from ages 3-7. She was self-taught until she joined the Grant Union Gold team, where she participated through her high school years with Adair as her coach.

While attending college, Piazza took dance classes and was a varsity cheerleader. She also had dance as her talent when entering Miss America pageants.

Last Thursday, Piazza and her team of 10 were practicing at the American Legion Hall, preparing a big band swing routine for next week’s Holiday Showcase.

The event, which includes dancers from age 4 through 18, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1-2, at Grant Union. The cost is one canned-food item and $5 presale or $7 at the door.

As soon as the show is over, the team will switch focus to state competition. The team has a “lyrical and flowing” routine, with roots in ballet, planned.

Piazza said she is encouraged by some changes that have been made to the way state scoring will happen this year.

“It lends itself to more creativity,” she said.

She added judges will look at individual skills and give more weight to projection and expression.

Another big change this season: Judges won’t have access to teams for consultations and critiquing prior to the state competition.

Piazza said it was difficult in previous years for judges to connect with the Eastern Oregon team.

“We have things in our favor,” Piazza said.

Two girls on this year’s team are new to dance, and one foreign student, is new to the team, but has been dancing for several years.

“They are really passionate about dance and highly competitive,” Piazza said of the team.

Reannah Lemons, the sole senior on the team, has been dancing since age 6.

“I’m excited because we have a lot of new girls this year,” she said. “I’m also sad because this is my last year, and I’ll miss the team and the friendships we’ve made.”

Dana Schajor, a sophomore from Germany, said she’s been involved in a private ballet program in her home country for nine years.

“I’m so excited to spend this season with this amazing team,” she said. “It’s so sad that I only get to do that once (for one year).”

Sophomore Ali Chobo said there are great dancers on this year’s team.

“I’m really excited for competition season and going to state,” she said.

Freshman Shanniyah Hall said she was also looking forward to the season.

“I really enjoy having Kattie as my coach,” she said. “She has been really supportive and helped us through tough times.”

Fans of the dance team can look for them as they give halftime performances at some of the Grant Union basketball games.

Grant Union dance schedule

Dec. 1: Holiday Showcase at Grant Union at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 2: Holiday Showcase at Grant Union at 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 27-28: Canby competition at 10 a.m.

Feb. 10-11: South Albany competition at 10 a.m.

Feb. 25: Pendleton competition, TBD

March 3-4: Thurston competition at 10 a.m.

March 10: Spring Showcase at Grant Union at 7 p.m.

March 16-17: State dance competition, TBD

]]>Young, yet experienced, team ready to take on seasonhttp://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161121/young-yet-experienced-team-ready-to-take-on-season
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161121/young-yet-experienced-team-ready-to-take-on-season#CommentsMon, 21 Nov 2016 18:31:11 -0500Angel Carpenter
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2016161129975The Grant Union boys varsity basketball team is gearing up for the season with new head coach Kelsy Wright.

Wright was previously assistant coach for Steve Speth for nine years, working with the Grant Union varsity boys. He also coached youth basketball one year.

Wright now is taking the lead, and Speth is assisting along with Brandon Culley and Kelly Stokes.

Reitta Wyllie is ringing in the season, organizing an Ugly Sweater 5K at 10 a.m. Dec. 10 in John Day.

The event is Wyllie’s senior project, which will help her fulfill her graduation requirements at Grant Union Junior-Senior High School.

“I chose this project because I ran cross country this year,” she said, noting she also participated in other 5K events previously. “5Ks are an easy and fun event that most people can participate in, and ugly sweaters make it more fun and bring in the Christmas atmosphere.”

All proceeds from the 5K will benefit the Tree of Joy, a program which provides gifts for children in need throughout Grant County. Grant County 4-H organizes the Tree of Joy with partners from the Families First Parent Resource Center and Department of Human Services.

“I want to make sure every kid in need will receive a Christmas present this year,” Wyllie said. “The course will start and end at The Corner Cup (100 E. Main St.) and run through Seventh Street and down Main Street.”

There will be prizes for the men, women and children’s (12 and under) divisions, and for the ugliest sweaters.

Cost to register is $20, and forms can be picked up and dropped off at The Corner Cup or Grant Union.

Two Trees of Joy are now set up with tags ready, one at Chester’s Thriftway and the other at the Outpost Restaurant. Gifts are due back under the tree by Monday, Dec. 12.

For more information about the 5K, call Wyllie at 541-792-0704 or Russ Comer 541-620-0014..

It was a tough battle, but the Heppner Mustangs halted the Prospectors’ rise to the top when they nabbed a 46-0 shutout win at Saturday’s quarterfinal contest.

Back in August, during daily doubles, Grant Union head coach Jason Miller said their team objectives were to establish themselves as a contender in the state playoff race and to play with “true grit.”

The Prospectors can reflect on their success in meeting those challenges: They became the 2A Wapiti league champions and won their first-round state playoff game.

“The kids had a great season,” Miller said. “The last few weeks, injuries hurt us quite a bit. I’m proud of these kids for their effort all season long. They are truly ironmen the way they had to go both sides of the ball all the time.”

Injuries to Prospector quarterback Wade Reimers and running back Cameron Hallgarth kept the two sidelined during most of the Nov. 5 first-round playoff, but Grant Union pushed on to win that game 30-12.

In Saturday’s game, Reimers was back as quarterback, and Hallgarth remained on the injured list. Zack Deiter relieved Reimers, and at times, Reimers played Deiter’s running back position.

Cauy Weaver, a leader on defense during the season, also filled in as running back.

“This season we had our goals, and we fulfilled them to the best of our ability,” Weaver said. “I wouldn’t have chosen another team to play football with. We’re looking forward to next year.”

Heppner advances to next week’s semifinals against Regis, which had a 50-0 win over St. Paul. Stanfield will face Kennedy — both teams had shutout wins over their opponents last weekend.

Heppner has 34 players on their roster, including six senior starters, and entered the competition as fourth seed.

Grant Union, with a team of 19, was fifth seed.

Miller, who is also Grant Union’s athletic director, said his team worked hard and improved over the season.

“We survived our injuries (against Reedsport),” he said. “My comment to them was they probably got a lot of reps this season because we didn’t have many substitutions.”

He hopes to see more student participation in all athletics.

There was one just one senior Prospector this year, Billy Copenhaver, and if all of this year’s juniors return, the team will have 10 seniors in 2017.

“We appreciate the community’s help and support,” he said. “We’ll miss our lone senior, but the future does look bright.”

Workman has two years of coaching experience, leading the Burnt River boys and girls basketball teams five years ago.

He played basketball for one year at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, and played four years for Grant Union High School, graduating in 1997.

Workman said working nights for a few years prevented him from coaching, but now, with a daytime schedule, that opportunity opened up for him.

“I like teaching kids, not just about basketball, but choices in life,” he said. “They build character and hard work — to put 110 percent in all you do, it carries over to everyday living and learning how to make good decisions.”

He said academics come first for the athletes, then sportsmanship.

Footwork is No. 1 after that, he said.

“Then everything else comes together,” he said. “Everything is done as a team.”

Workman said they have one of the tougher leagues with opponents such as Adrian, Crane and Jordan Valley, but he’s encouraged by the talent on the Panther team that includes 13 athletes.

He spent time last season watching the high school and junior high Panther teams, and said there are talented freshmen joining the team this year.

“I’m excited about coaching, and for the first game,” he said. “I love basketball. It’s always been the game I’ve loved.”

The Lady Panthers will host Adrian in their first competition of the season at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, followed by the Panther boys at 7:30 p.m. Junior varsity girls and boys games start at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

]]>Art teacher plans trip overseashttp://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161115/art-teacher-plans-trip-overseas
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161115/art-teacher-plans-trip-overseas#CommentsTue, 15 Nov 2016 17:53:21 -0500http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2016161119964Grant Union Junior-Senior High School art teacher JJ Collier is organizing a trip to Ireland, Wales and London for March of 2018.

Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join the traveling group, as well as parents, staff members and other residents.

The cost of the 9-day trip is $3,200 and Collier said those interested in joining will need to contact her by the end of the month to lock in that price. The group will visit sights such as the Blarney Castle in Killarney, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin and Palace of Westminster in London.

For more information, email Collier at collierj@grantesd.k12.or.us, or leave a voicemail for her at the school 541-575-1799, ext. 36.

The seasonal event will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1 and 2, at Grant Union Junior-Senior High School. Santa is even expected to pay a visit during the show.

Admission is one canned-food item, plus $5 with a presale ticket or $7 at the door. The canned goods will be donated to a local food bank.

This is the Grant Union Gold varsity dance team’s kickoff event. The Grant Union Gold are led by new coach Kattie Piazza, who was also once a member of the team.

The team will be joined by the Grant Union Gemstones junior high team, coached by Rebecca Batease, as well as younger dancers in the Level I, II, and III dance groups which train at Body, Fitness, Dance.

Level I with 4- to 6-year-old dancers is led by Trista Collins. Level II with grades 1-2 is led by Elena Allen, and Level III with grades 3-5 is led by Kattie Piazza.

The groups traditionally perform to songs of the season, presenting the various styles of dance they’ve been learning.

For more information, call the Grant Union office at 541-575-1799.

]]>Adult co-ed volleyball teams will compete for funhttp://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161115/adult-co-ed-volleyball-teams-will-compete-for-fun
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161115/adult-co-ed-volleyball-teams-will-compete-for-fun#CommentsTue, 15 Nov 2016 17:27:52 -0500Angel Carpenter
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2016161119977With the high school volleyball season coming to an end, adults — male and female — can now plan to get in on some of the action.

Registration is open for an adult co-ed volleyball league through the John Day-Canyon City Parks and Recreation.

The program is designed to give adults 18 and over an opportunity for fun and exercise and is not considered “power volleyball.”

Practices will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, at the Grant Union Junior-Senior High School gym.

The registration fee is $120 for a team or $20 for each individual. Late registration will have an extra $25 fee added after Dec. 20.

There will be at least eight league matches during the January-February season, to be held on Sundays.

Teams will have a minimum of six players and maximum of 12, and each team must include at least three women.

All 18- and 19-year-old players must be out of high school.

Registration forms are available online at jdccparksandrec.weebly.com (click on adult programs) and at the Parks and Rec office at 845 1/2 Bridge St. in John Day.

Les Payne Field has been a place of great success for the Mustangs over the course of the seniors’ four-year high school career, with Heppner winning 25 of 26 games in that span. But this game held more meaning than typical home game — a win over Grant Union on Saturday would send the Mustangs to the state semifinals.

The senior six did their parts to leave a lasting impression on the Mustang fans once the game was played, leading the No. 4 Mustangs to a 46-0 victory over No. 5 Grant Union, punching the ticket to the semifinals for the fourth straight season.

“It’s awesome, really awesome,” Grieb said of the victory. “I never thought it (home finale) would come this fast, but it did and it’s a heck of a way to go out.”

“We’re playing in the best town with the best fans and atmosphere you could ask for, and we played as hard as we could to get the best memory here,” Murray added. “And all of my brothers were on great Heppner teams, and they didn’t even make it to the semis four years in a row, but it feels awesome and we’re jacked to get back.”

With a steady wind blowing from left to right for most of the game Saturday, Heppner (8-2) did not venture into the pass section of the offensive playbook except for one play — an incomplete pass in the first quarter. But the Mustangs didn’t need the passing game to be effective, running the ball 43 times for 380 yards and seven touchdowns scored by four different players.

“Coach Grant gave us a great game plan and we focused on the fundamentals a lot because that’s what wins games in the playoffs,” Grieb said. “You just have to dig deep and do what you learned back in fifth, sixth grade and we did a good job of that.”

Grieb led the way with three of those touchdowns from his running back spot — all scored in the first half — and finished with 145 yards on 18 carries. Junior running back Coby Dougherty had a solid game with 103 yards on 16 carries and two scores.

“It’s the greatest thing ever to block for those guys,” Jaca said, “and when you feel their hand on your back to follow, you just know you’re doing the right thing, and when you pick your guy and see them going for six, it’s amazing.”

The offense did not start the game as dominant, as the Mustang’s first drive resulted in one first down before they were forced to punt. But on the next drive, Heppner was able to get the ball moving and Dougherty finished the possession with a nine-yard run up the gut into the end zone to put Heppner in front 8-0 with just more than one minute left in the first quarter.

Then a quick three-and-out by Grant Union (6-4) and a partially blocked punt gave the Mustangs the ball at the Prospectors 24 with 40 seconds left in the quarter. Heppner only needed two plays to cash in on the field position before Grieb plunged across the goal line for a three-yard touchdown and a 16-0 Heppner lead.

Grant Union’s offense started to show some life early in the second quarter and was finally able to move the ball into Heppner territory. But on a 4th-and-6 from the Mustangs 35, Grant Union quarterback Wade Reimers’ attempted screen pass was intercepted by a leaping Tim Jaca, who used every bit of his 5-8 frame to make the snag, and then returned the ball all the way to the Prospectors 27.

“I got let off easy and immediately clicked in my head to read a screen and watched the QB’s eyes and then just jumped,” Jaca said. “I wasn’t sure if I could reach that one. I don’t get those very often so it was an awesome feeling.”

The turnover set up a one-yard touchdown by Grieb, which put Heppner up 28-0 at halftime.

Heppner’s defense didn’t have its sharpest performance overall Saturday, but still did enough to earn the team’s first shutout of the season. The Mustangs forced a total of three turnovers — two interceptions and one lost fumble — and held Grant Union to just 165 total offensive yards.

It feels awesome,” Murray said of the shutout. “I love defense, we all love defense and we love setting a tone and making a point, and when we all come do our jobs and trust each other and play 100 percent, it gets done, and we did it.”

The defense was tested by the Prospectors on a drive late in the third quarter as Grant Union started on its own 40 and marched down to the Heppner five with under one minute to play in the third. But on a 2nd-and-goal play, Grant Union running back Cauy Weaver fumbled a handoff from the quarterback, and Heppner’s Coby Dougherty pounced on it. Heppner then responded with a 90-yard drive that was capped off by a 55-yard touchdown run by Beau Wolters to put the Mustangs up 40-0.

Heppner’s final score came with less than one minute to play when Gavin Hanna-Robinson scampered 51 yards for a touchdown.

The Mustangs will now hit the road for the first time in the playoffs next week when they take on the No. 1 seed Regis on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Liberty High School in Hillsboro. The Mustangs and Rams met in the semifinals last year as well, when the then-No. 2 seed Mustangs beat the No. 3 seed Rams 26-3.

]]>Grant Union athlete plans to throw javelin down underhttp://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161111/grant-union-athlete-plans-to-throw-javelin-down-under
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20161111/grant-union-athlete-plans-to-throw-javelin-down-under#CommentsFri, 11 Nov 2016 13:58:41 -0500Angel Carpenter
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2016161119990Grant Union High School sophomore Kaylee Wright broke the state record for girls javelin last May, and now she’ll step up her game even more with a trip down under next July.

Wright received an invitation letter to join the Down Under Sports track and field competition in Queensland, Australia, to compete in javelin and possibly the 100-meter dash, at an international level.

The nine-day trip will include an excursion to Hawaii on her way home.

“I was very happy and talked with my parents,” she said. “I told them that I would do anything it takes to be able to go, including fundraising.”

That’s just what Wright will be doing.

She starts her fundraising efforts this weekend at the Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department’s Bake Sale and Holiday Bazaar at Mt. Vernon’s Community Center on Saturday where from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. she’ll hold a bake sale and sell Down Under Sports T-shirts.

Plans are also in the works to hold raffles for cords of firewood and items donated by local businesses, and a taco or spaghetti feed are other possibilities.

Kaylee’s dad, Kelsey Wright, who is also her coach, encouraged her to try javelin in middle school track and field.

“I’ve been doing javelin since seventh grade,” she said. “My dad said I would be really good, and I’ve been doing it ever since, and it’s one of my better sports.”

Kelsey also competed as a state champion in high school javelin.

Kaylee, who was on Grant Union’s volleyball that which recently won third at the state level, will be a member of the Oregon Pacific Conference track and field team.

Athletes from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island countries combine to make a “world team” and compete against the USA team at the three-day event.

The Down Under Sports competition is the qualifier for Australia’s Olympic track and field team, and gives high school students a chance to learn from expert trainers.

Wright is hoping the experience will help her break her 131-03 throw that won her this year’s state record.

“It’s going to be cool competing ... and seeing what you can accomplish,” Wright said.